Are You at Risk of the 5 Most Common Cancers?

Cancer, a condition where cells multiply at an abnormally fast rate, can develop in any part of the body. Every cancer has its own risk factors, and it’s hard to keep track of the symptoms that might help you to identify the disease, so many people find themselves in the dark when it comes to detecting cancer early. Learn about who’s most at risk of the five most common types of cancers and symptoms to be aware of.

1. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Who Is Most at Risk

• Older adults
• Fair-skinned people
• Smokers
• Tanners
• People with previous skin cancer diagnoses or skin injuries

What to Look For

• Changes to the skin, such as bumps, discolorations, sores, and growths, that grow rapidly or take abnormally long amounts of time to heal

2. Breast Cancer

Who Is Most at Risk

• Women (55+)
• Women who have not had children
• People who drink large amounts of alcohol regularly
• Overweight adults
• People who have undergone hormone therapy
• Those with a history of breast cancer, either personal or familial

What to Look For

• Bumps or lumps in the breast
• Changes in the size, shape, or color of the breast
• Discharge from the nipple
• Puckering of the breast
• Changes in the texture of the skin on the breast

3. Lung Cancer

Who Is Most at Risk

• Smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke
• People exposed to radon or asbestos
• People with a family history of lung cancer

What to Look For

• Coughs that don’t get better, or get worse, after an extended period
• Wet coughs that contain blood
• Chest pain that’s exacerbated by laughing, coughing, etc.
• Frequent lung infections
• Difficulty taking deep breaths

4. Prostate Cancer

Who Is Most at Risk

• Men (50+)
• Men of African descent
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer
• Overweight men

What to Look For

• Urine or semen that contains blood
• Difficulty urinating
• An inability to get erections
• A constant need to urinate

5. Colorectal Cancer

Who Is Most at Risk

• Heavy drinkers
• Overweight people
• Smokers
• Inactive people
• People with a history of inflammatory bowel disease

What to Look For

• Bloody stool
• Changes in color and consistency of stool
• Changes in typical bowel movements
• Cramps

The best way to be on the lookout for cancer symptoms is to know your normal and be observant of changes. If you notice any significant changes, schedule an appointment with your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician for screening. If needed, they can refer you to a Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group oncologist for specialized treatment. Find more information about specific cancer screenings here.
 

Sources:
Everyday Health | Know the Most Common Types of Cancer
American Cancer Society | Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society | Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
American Cancer Society | Small Cell Lung Cancer
American Cancer Society | Breast Cancer
American Cancer Society | Prostate Cancer
American Cancer Society | Colorectal Cancer
Healthline | Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
Healthline | Skin Cancer: Facts, Statistics, and You
Healthline | Everything You Want to Know About Breast Cancer
Healthline | Everything You Want to Know About Prostate Cancer
Healthline | Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation | Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
American Cancer Society | Cancer Facts & Figures 2018